Thanks!" to JCrew Guy In Canada, who shared the following GQ article (click here to read in its entirety) with us:So many Menswear store openings- exciting news indeed! Also, who knew that the demand for the Ludlow suit would bring on its very own dedicated store in NYC?!?Store Spotlight: J.Crew Opens Inaugural Ludlow Shop
By Matthew Sebra
March 1, 2012
J.Crew's quest to dress men everywhere, and for every occasion, continues with the opening the their new Ludlow Shop. Nestled on a catalog-shoot worthy street in Tribeca, just south of the brand's wildly successful Liquor Store location, this new outpost is dedicated to showing off their best-selling Ludlow suit in every form imaginable. Nineteen versions of the tailored two-piece are available for purchase, from the original notch lapel model to a double-breasted option and even an evening tux if your datebook calls for such sartorial goods. And while the store's name may indicate its singular focus, the stock is anything but one-dimensional. Joining the Ludlow suits is an array of complimentary gear, from J.Crew's Thomas Mason shirting and Italian cashmere to shoes from Alden and Crockett & Jones that sit alongside the brand's made-in-NYC ties, Drake's pocket squares, and Corgi socks. Sharp style extends beyond the clothes and after you've had a look at some lapels you'll find the space stocked with midcentury modern furniture and antiques, including a vintage desk covered in archival Alden shoe catalogs and ledgers (more on that later).
We spoke with the man behind the beloved suit style, J.Crew's head of menswear design Frank Muytjens, about why now is the right time for the tailoring-targeted store.
GQ Eye: Why did you want to dedicate a whole store to the Ludlow suit and why do it now in Tribeca?
Frank Muytjens: We launched the Ludlow suit when we opened the Liquor Store in 2008 and the response has been incredible! Guys come in to all of our shops and ask for it by name. And since the launch, the Ludlow has outgrown the Liquor Store so we decided to relocate that shop down the street to showcase the Ludlow in a bigger way. We are also super excited to offer monogramming, complimentary courier service, and on-site suit specialists.
GQ Eye: What type of customer do you envision shopping at the Ludlow store?
Frank Muytjens: To us it's always about being modern, but not too trendy. He's a guy who loves quality and is interested in being more understated than overstated. He invests in classic pieces he knows and will have forever and always can go back to.
What are your thoughts on this latest store concept from J.Crew? Do you think the location is a good fit with J.Crew? Will you be stopping by?
Looks like I am the only one interested in the mens side.
ReplyDeletePersonally I'd love to have a crack at this new mens store. Who knew the Ludlow suit would generate so much interest. While I don't have any Ludlow jackets, I do have several of the pants. They are very well cut, fashion forward and narrow. Great fabrics and colours; although a brown or green choice would be good. BR needs to play some catch-up. While they do a decent business suit, they are behind the Ludlow.
I'm sure it's great, but how many stores does Manhattan need? I hope there's one in the Midwest eventually - Chicago is the most obvious choice (although Columbus did get a Madewell first!).
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